Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
For the past week, I have been experiencing dizziness, heavy head, nausea, and generalized weakness. During this time I was putting salt in my water thinking it would make me feel better. I had some blood tests in the ER two days ago. My sodium was 147 mmol/L, and all the other ER tests were good. They gave me a 500 mL ringer solution and told me to hydrate well. I drank a decent amount of water afterward.
Yesterday, the symptoms were even worse, so I went to the ER again. This time, my sodium levels had fallen to 139 mmol/L. All the other tests were excellent, including head and chest x-ray. They gave me 1 liter of ringer solution and after that 500 mL of normal saline. The neurologists examined me thoroughly and found no issues. I left feeling better.
But today, the symptoms are back. Could this fluctuation in sodium levels from 147 to 139 cause all these symptoms? Last month, I also had a perfect brain MRA with no pathologies. The regular ER panel plus thyroid tests came back as normal as well. Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com
I read your query and can understand your concern.
A slow reduction in sodium level from 147 to 139 mmol/L should not cause any significant problems. I wish to know about your blood pressure. Has it been normal? Have you experienced this condition in the past as well? Also, it would be helpful if you could share information regarding your work and workplace. Have you been experiencing stress related to work or relationships? Are there any current medications or previously diagnosed neurological or psychiatric conditions? Do you consume alcohol etc? Have you been getting adequate and sound sleep?
Please answer these questions so that I can help you better.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
My blood pressure is always excellent, and my heart is in perfect health. I have not experienced this condition in the past, and I have no neurological history. All testing I have ever done is excellent. I do not take any medication, alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs. I have a lot of anxiety. Now I worry that my sodium is causing all this, that I will end up with hyponatremia or hypernatremia, and that I need to get to the hospital again. My first test like I told you, was 147mmo/l. The second was 139 after I had hydrated and 27 hours later. All the other blood tests for kidneys, liver electrolytes, troponin, d-dimers, blood sugar, and general blood were perfect.
But I still feel terrible. Could this be due to sudden changes in my sodium that we did not catch in the labs? I drink around 3 liters of water per day and eat three meals per day. Should I head to the ER again despite all my tests being perfect for my sodium?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
What I think is that your anxiety may be causing you these symptoms more than anything else. Earlier, your sodium levels could be high due to excessive intake of salt in your water. I suggest you stay relaxed and eat a regular, healthy diet along with moderate-intensity exercise, a total of 150-200 minutes a week. Try meditation and breathing exercises as well to keep yourself relaxed. Only go to an ER (emergency room) if symptoms persist.
I hope I have answered your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
I get that, and I think you are right. But let me sum up the situation. I did consume sodium compulsively for four days, adding it to water while not drinking much water in general because I thought I would cause myself hyponatremia.
I went to the ER, and I had tests done. All tests were normal except for sodium 147, which is not even that high. Once again, I begin hydrating correctly with water and tea. Twenty-seven hours later, I had another blood test, and the sodium level was 139. They give me a ringer of 1 liter and normal saline 500 ml. After that, I keep hydrating regularly. I do not have a kidney, liver, or any other disease. In all my previous tests, my sodium level ranged from 138 mmo/l to 143 mmo/l. Should I even worry about hypo or hypernatremia?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
No worries at all regarding salt imbalance. You are alright.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Do you think I should retake the sodium test any time soon?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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